Western clawed frog (Xenopus tropicalis)

Short answers

Western clawed frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×30×30 cm aquarium.

Western clawed frog: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 22–25 °C.

Western clawed frog: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not required.

Western clawed frog: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Western clawed frog: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C

Night temperature

22–25 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

Fully aquatic

UVB

Not required

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×30×30 cm aquarium

Substrate

Sand, roots, robust plants, water 20–30 cm deep

Feeding

Food

Frozen food, pellets, earthworms

Feeding interval

3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

3,5–5 cm

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

West Africa

Protection status

Not on the EU list of invasive species (unlike Xenopus laevis!)

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

A group. Only put together animals of the same species and roughly the same size — smaller ones will otherwise be treated as food. Offer enough hiding places so that every animal can retreat, and feed them separately when they differ in size.

Notes

Markedly smaller and more in need of warmth than the African clawed frog. IMPORTANT: do not confuse it with Xenopus laevis – that species is on the EU Union list and may not be traded.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Western clawed frog (Xenopus tropicalis) in the marketplace →

Related species

• African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) – Beginner
• Carvalho's Surinam toad (Pipa carvalhoi) – Intermediate
• Marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) – Intermediate
• Edible frog (Pelophylax kl. esculentus) – Intermediate
• Surinam toad (Pipa pipa) – Expert
• Dwarf Surinam toad (Pipa parva) – Intermediate
• Dwarf clawed frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri) – Beginner
• African common toad (Sclerophrys regularis) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Western clawed frog (Xenopus tropicalis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×30×30 cm aquarium), substrate (Sand, roots, robust plants, water 20–30 cm deep), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.